French captain Kylian Mbappé has been reinstated to the national team for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia next Thursday. This decision comes after coach Didier Deschamps excluded the 26-year-old striker from the last two squad selections during the group stages in October and November.
There were uncertainties regarding Mbappé’s continuation as captain, but Deschamps has confirmed that he will retain the role.
“I spoke to him and we had a discussion about it,” Deschamps stated. “He will be the captain.”
The 2018 World Cup champion was absent from the Nations League matches against Israel and Italy last November, during which Deschamps remarked that “it’s better that way,” noting that Mbappé was facing both physical and mental challenges.
Mbappé missed a prior team gathering due to a minor thigh injury; however, he still participated in a match for Real Madrid. His last appearance for the French national team, Les Bleus, was on September 9 against Belgium in the Nations League.
He achieved a remarkable hat trick in the 2022 World Cup final and, at 26 years old, Mbappé ranks third on France’s all-time scoring list with 48 goals, trailing only Thierry Henry (51) and Olivier Giroud (57).
In December, a rape investigation in Stockholm that Swedish media reported was centered on Mbappé was closed. In a recent interview with French TV channel Canal Plus, Mbappé stated that he had not been approached by Swedish authorities and expressed disbelief when the news surfaced following his trip to Stockholm.
See more:The Czech Minister Urges Europe to Engage the U.S. More Actively and Strengthen Ties with Ukraine.
In other squad updates, coach Deschamps has called up 19-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger Désiré Doué for his first selection.
Doué has shown impressive form in recent weeks, demonstrating his speed and skill during the Champions League last-16 victory over Liverpool.
He’s a very young player, but he brings a lot of potential for us,” Deschamps commented.
About The Author
